Hamilton presents The Time Factor docuseries, highlighting its ongoing support of Air Zermatt

Borna Bošnjak

Having been partners for nearly 15 years, Air Zermatt and Hamilton are presenting a new, closer-than-ever look into the intricate workings of the Alpine rescue operation. Titled The Time Factor, the docuseries will look to showcase individual members of the 65-strong team and their respective roles, as well as how they play into the smooth running of a rescue effort – from emergency physicians and mountain guides to rescue dog trainers. For those who picked up a copy of Issue 8 of our magazine, you may have already gotten a sneak peek into this partnerships courtesy of a phenomenal Luke Benedictus story, with Hamilton now expanding on it in video format. You can check out the preview below, as well as the first episode at the end of the article.

Air Zermatt was founded back in 1968 as the first Swiss rescue company, and while I’m not privy to the exact number of rescues the team has performed in its many decades of operation, the numerous documentaries produced about their efforts may hint at that number being fairly significant. The company also operates as an airline and flight school, its fleet currently numbering 10 total helicopters used for sightseeing and transport purposes alongside the rescue missions.

As its name may suggest, The Time Factor will focus on the importance of time in the safe return of those who run into trouble in the Alps, but also the many human moving parts. Philipp Imboden, part of Air Zermatt’s K9 unit, says: “We’re like parts of a jigsaw puzzle. That’s how we work well together. One person alone cannot achieve much.”

Naturally, as partners, Hamilton also supplies members of the Air Zermatt team with watches, though the trailer and first episode do not mention them whatsoever. Perhaps this shows that Air Zermatt’s work is just a tad more important than a cool PR stunt for Hamilton. The wrist-spotting, in this case, is not challenging though. While there have been special models revealed as part of this collab in the past, the crew now wears the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition, showing its capable of more than a sprinkling of Arizonian sand.

“For us, the mountain isn’t really a dangerous place. It’s a dangerous place if you don’t respect the mountain, if you overestimate yourself or underestimate the mountain.” That’s how the first episode opens, featuring the voice of Richard Lehner, a guide who, by his own estimates, guesses he’s summited the Matterhorn some 250-odd times. And yet, even after all the climbs and rescues, he notes the rush of adrenaline every time the phone rings.